In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places… (NRSVUE)

There is plenty of room for you in my Father’s home…(The Message)

In my Father’s house are many mansions…(King James)

The Greek word is monay – it can be translated as abodes, dwellings, staying places, places to abide. This comes right after Jesus tells the disciples that he is only with them for a short time, and that they will not be able to come where he is going. He’s talking about death on the cross, then returning to the embrace of God.

We all know what happened soon after this. Judas betrays with a kiss, Peter denies, the disciples scatter. They cannot go into death with Jesus. But, for the moment, they remain unaware; the thought of Jesus leaving without them is painful.

It probably made little sense to the disciples beforehand, this assurance Jesus gives them that he is going ahead of them, going to prepare a place for them, making room for them to dwell always in the embrace of God. When they were facing death themselves, it was a promise they could hold onto in the darkness of leaving life behind:

Someone who loves them is making room. They are expected. They will be welcomed into eternal relationship.

Just as wonderful: there’s room for others as well…